Last updated: October 2026
This page collects cut settings that Cricut, Silhouette and material makers publish for adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl (iron-on), cardstock and sticker paper. Every row names its source. Treat every number as a starting point and always do a test cut: Silhouette’s CAMEO 5 manual says optimal settings vary with the thickness and quality of the material and with blade wear, and tells you to “make a test cut every time you change the media.”
These are compiled from published sources, not from our own cutting. Where a maker does not publish a value (for example, Cricut does not list a speed, and the sticker paper maker below does not list a speed either), the cell says “not published.”
How to read the numbers
The two brands use different scales, so the numbers are not comparable across brands.
Silhouette (Silhouette Studio Send panel). Silhouette’s help center explains each setting:
- Blade is how much of the blade sticks out, adjustable in 0.1 mm steps. Silhouette’s example: cardstock measuring 0.3 mm needs a blade setting of at least 3. An AutoBlade sets itself to the number in the software; other blades are set by hand.
- Force runs from 1 to 33. Silhouette says it is a scale from the machine’s lowest to highest pressure, with a maximum of up to 300 grams-force.
- Speed runs from 1 to 30, and Silhouette says each number is centimeters cut per second.
- Passes is how many times the machine cuts the job. Older software versions called this “Double Cut.”
Silhouette’s key rule is to find the lowest blade and force combination that cuts cleanly. Too much blade or force wears the blade faster and can tear corners.
Cricut (Design Space). Cricut’s materials list gives a cut pressure value, a multi-cut setting and the blade type for each material setting in Design Space. Cricut does not state a unit for pressure in that list. In practice you pick the named material setting in Design Space and the machine applies these values; the numbers are useful for comparing materials or building a custom material setting. “Multi-cut Off” means one pass; “2x” means two.
Silhouette CAMEO 5 and CAMEO 5α
Blade depth by material type
Silhouette’s CAMEO 5 user manual gives a blade depth guideline by material. It does not give force or speed numbers; it says to start with speed slow and force low and raise them gradually.
| Material (Silhouette’s wording) | Blade | Force | Speed | Passes | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin materials, thin paper and films, smooth iron-on (HTV) | 1 | Start low | Start slow | Not published | CAMEO 5 manual | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium paper (such as Kent paper), thick film, flock iron-on | 2 to 3 | Start low | Start slow | Not published | CAMEO 5 manual | Starting point, always test cut |
| Thick paper such as scrapbooking materials | 4 to 6 | Start low | Start slow | Not published | CAMEO 5 manual | Starting point, always test cut |
| Thick paper such as cardboard | 7 to 10 | Start low | Start slow | Not published | CAMEO 5 manual | Starting point, always test cut |
The same manual lists the CAMEO 5’s supported media as film 0.1 mm thick or less (excluding high-intensity reflective film), Kent paper up to 157 g/m², and cardboard up to 0.5 mm thick, noting some materials cannot be cut depending on the media. Silhouette also says paper must go on a cutting mat.
Heat transfer vinyl on Silhouette CAMEO (from Stahls')
Stahls’, which makes and sells heat transfer materials, publishes craft cutter settings for its HTV range, including Siser EasyWeed, which it sells. Stahls’ column is labeled “Thickness,” the older Silhouette Studio name for what current versions call Force. “AutoBlade” means Stahls lists the AutoBlade without a depth number, so let the AutoBlade use the material’s default depth and test.
| Material | Studio material type | Blade | Force (“Thickness”) | Speed | Passes | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siser EasyWeed (HTV) | HTV-Smooth | AutoBlade | 6 | 8 | Not published | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Siser EasyWeed Electric (HTV) | HTV-Smooth | AutoBlade | 6 | 8 | Not published | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Stahls’ UltraWeed (HTV) | HTV-Smooth | 2 | 2 | 4 | Not published | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Stahls’ Glitter Flake (glitter HTV) | HTV-Flocked | 4 | 18 | 4 | Not published | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
Sticker paper on Silhouette CAMEO 5 (from OnlineLabels)
OnlineLabels, which makes printable sticker paper, publishes AutoBlade settings for its sheets on the CAMEO 5. A kiss cut goes through the sticker layer only, leaving the backing whole. A full cut goes through the backing too. OnlineLabels does not list a speed or the number of passes for kiss cuts.
| Material (OnlineLabels inkjet sticker paper) | Blade | Kiss cut force | Full cut force | Full cut passes | Speed | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard White Matte (OL177WX) | 3 | 10 | 24 | 2 | Not published | OnlineLabels CAMEO 5 settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| White Gloss (OL177WG) | 3 | 12 | 24 | 2 | Not published | OnlineLabels CAMEO 5 settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Weatherproof Matte (OL177WJ) | 3 | 10 | 24 | 2 | Not published | OnlineLabels CAMEO 5 settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Clear Gloss (OL177CK) | 3 | 16 | 24 | 2 | Not published | OnlineLabels CAMEO 5 settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Clear Matte (OL177CJ) | 4 | 18 | 25 | 2 | Not published | OnlineLabels CAMEO 5 settings | Starting point, always test cut |
OnlineLabels publishes separate figures for its laser sticker papers; check its page if you print with a laser printer.
Adhesive vinyl (Oracal 651) on Silhouette
Orafol’s ORACAL 651 page lists the film as 2.5 mil thick (about 0.06 mm) and calls it Cricut and Silhouette compatible, but it does not publish machine settings. At that thickness it sits in the “thin films” band of Silhouette’s blade guideline above (blade 1), which is a reasonable place to begin a test cut. This is a reading of Silhouette’s general guideline, not an Orafol setting.
Cricut Maker 4 (and the discontinued Maker 3)
Cricut lists the Maker 3 and Maker 4 together in one table. The Maker 3 is discontinued and no longer sold new on Cricut’s store, but its settings are the same as the Maker 4’s. All rows use the Premium Fine-Point Blade.
| Design Space material setting | Blade | Pressure | Multi-cut | Speed | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Fine-Point | 126 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Premium Vinyl, Permanent Glossy | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl, Permanent | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl, Removable | Fine-Point | 106 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Everyday Iron-On | Fine-Point | 113 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heat Transfer (non-Cricut) | Fine-Point | 113 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Iron-On | Fine-Point | 156 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Glitter Iron-On | Fine-Point | 167 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Light Cardstock, 60 lb (163 gsm) | Fine-Point | 214 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (216 gsm) | Fine-Point | 320 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heavy Cardstock, 100 lb (270 gsm) | Fine-Point | 310 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Sticker Paper, White (Green Liner Printing) | Fine-Point | 115 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Vinyl, White (Green Liner Printing) | Fine-Point | 90 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Sticker Paper, Removable | Fine-Point | 106 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
Cricut Maker 5
| Design Space material setting | Blade | Pressure | Multi-cut | Speed | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Fine-Point | 130 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Premium Vinyl | Fine-Point | 100 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl Matless Permanent Vinyl | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl Matless Removable Vinyl | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Everyday Iron-On | Fine-Point | 90 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Iron-On | Fine-Point | 115 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heat Transfer (non-Cricut) | Fine-Point | 115 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Iron-On Matless Heat Transfer Vinyl | Fine-Point | 100 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Glitter Iron-On | Fine-Point | 180 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Light Cardstock, 65 lb (176 gsm) | Fine-Point | 140 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (216 gsm) | Fine-Point | 180 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (Basic Cuts, Single Pass) | Fine-Point | 270 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heavy Cardstock, 100 lb (270 gsm) | Fine-Point | 270 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Sticker Paper, White | Fine-Point | 80 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Vinyl, White (Green Liner Printing) | Fine-Point | 60 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Sticker Paper, Removable | Fine-Point | 110 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
Cricut’s notes for the Maker 5 say it can use some materials up to 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick, but thickness alone does not decide whether a material can be cut; density and rigidity matter too, so test a small area first.
Cricut Explore 5
| Design Space material setting | Blade | Pressure | Multi-cut | Speed | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Vinyl | Fine-Point | 100 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl Matless Permanent Vinyl | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl Matless Removable Vinyl | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Everyday Iron-On | Fine-Point | 90 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Iron-On Matless Heat Transfer Vinyl | Fine-Point | 100 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Glitter Iron-On | Fine-Point | 180 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Light Cardstock, 65 lb (176 gsm) | Fine-Point | 140 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (216 gsm) | Fine-Point | 180 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (Basic Cuts, Single Pass) | Fine-Point | 270 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heavy Cardstock, 100 lb (270 gsm) | Fine-Point | 270 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Sticker Paper, White | Fine-Point | 80 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Vinyl, White (Green Liner Printing) | Fine-Point | 60 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
Cricut Joy Xtra
All rows use the Cricut Joy Fine-Point Blade.
| Design Space material setting | Blade | Pressure | Multi-cut | Speed | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Vinyl, Permanent Glossy | Joy Fine-Point | 105 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl, Permanent | Joy Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl, Removable | Joy Fine-Point | 112 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Everyday Iron-On | Joy Fine-Point | 100 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Iron-On | Joy Fine-Point | 144 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Glitter Iron-On | Joy Fine-Point | 180 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Light Cardstock, 65 lb (176 gsm) | Joy Fine-Point | 235 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (216 gsm) | Joy Fine-Point | 250 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heavy Cardstock, 100 lb (270 gsm) | Joy Fine-Point | 235 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Sticker Paper, White (Green Liner Printing) | Joy Fine-Point | 122 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Vinyl, White (Green Liner Printing) | Joy Fine-Point | 70 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
Cricut Joy 2
| Design Space material setting | Blade | Pressure | Multi-cut | Speed | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Vinyl Matless Permanent Vinyl | Fine-Point | 130 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Vinyl Matless Removable Vinyl | Fine-Point | 130 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Everyday Iron-On | Fine-Point | 100 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Smart Iron-On Matless Heat Transfer Vinyl | Fine-Point | 120 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Glitter Iron-On | Fine-Point | 180 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Medium Cardstock, 80 lb (216 gsm) | Fine-Point | 210 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Heavy Cardstock, 100 lb (270 gsm) | Fine-Point | 280 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Sticker Paper, White | Fine-Point | 100 | 2x | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
| Printable Vinyl, White (Green Liner Printing) | Fine-Point | 65 | Off | Not published | Cricut materials list | Starting point, always test cut |
Third-party HTV on Cricut (from Stahls')
For Cricut machines, Stahls’ lists a blade and a Design Space material setting to choose rather than numbers.
| Material | Blade | Design Space setting | Source | Use as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siser EasyWeed (HTV) | Standard | Iron-on | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Siser EasyWeed Electric (HTV) | Standard | Iron-on | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Stahls’ UltraWeed (HTV) | Standard | Iron-on | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
| Stahls’ Glitter Flake (glitter HTV) | Standard | Iron-on+ | Stahls’ craft cutter settings | Starting point, always test cut |
On Maker 3, Maker 4 and Maker 5, Cricut’s own list also includes a “Heat Transfer (non-Cricut)” setting (see the tables above).
How to run a test cut
Silhouette Studio. The Test Cut button is in the Send panel. Silhouette’s help center says it cuts a small square and triangle in the upper left of the material. Use the arrows to move the blade over a spare corner, press Test, then weed the shapes. The CAMEO 5 manual’s goal for films is a blade that goes slightly deeper than the material without cutting through the backing (release paper). If the shapes do not cut through, the manual says to raise blade depth and force gradually and test again; if they cut too deep, lower them. Silhouette suggests turning on Line Segment Overcut for vinyl and HTV if corners tear or do not cut through.
Cricut Design Space. Choose the material setting that matches your material, cut a small shape first, and only adjust pressure if it fails. Cricut’s materials article says it does not guarantee its machines can cut every material.
If a well-chosen setting still will not cut through, the blade is the next thing to check. See Silhouette Cameo not cutting through for the fixes.
FAQ
Why are Cricut pressure numbers so much bigger than Silhouette force numbers? They are different scales. Silhouette’s force runs from 1 to 33 (up to 300 grams-force at the top); Cricut’s list uses its own pressure values with no published unit. Do not copy numbers between brands.
Does a setting for one material brand work for another? Often close, never guaranteed. Thickness, adhesive and liner vary by brand and even by color. That is why every row here is a starting point for a test cut.
What speed should I use on Silhouette? Silhouette’s help center says speed is mostly about convenience, and that thin films like vinyl and HTV can generally be cut faster while delicate or tear-prone materials need slower speeds. The CAMEO 5 manual says to reduce speed for fine or complex designs and thick media.
Should I raise the blade or the force first? Silhouette advises finding the lowest blade and force combination that works. Its manual calls blade depth the most important setting: just a little more than the material’s thickness, without going through the backing.
My Maker 3 settings are not listed. Where are they? Cricut lists the Maker 3 together with the Maker 4, so use the Maker 4 table.
Sources
- Silhouette CAMEO 5 user manual (PDF): https://www.silhcdn.com/m/d/user-guides/cameo-5-en.pdf
- Silhouette help center, Performing a Test Cut: How to Find Optimal Settings: https://silhouetteamerica.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/35000206256-performing-a-test-cut-how-to-find-optimal-settings
- Cricut help center, Which materials can I cut with my Cricut smart cutting machine?: https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009504773-Which-materials-can-I-cut-with-my-Cricut-smart-cutting-machine
- Stahls’, Craft Cutters Settings (PDF): https://assets.stahls.com/stahls/content/pdf/education/craft-cutter-settings-stahls-htv.pdf
- OnlineLabels, Sticker Paper Cut Settings for Silhouette Cameo 5: https://www.onlinelabels.com/articles/onlinelabels-sticker-paper-cut-settings-for-silhouette-cameo-5
- Orafol, ORACAL 651 product page: https://www.orafol.com/en/americas/products/oracal-651-the-industry-leading-craft-vinyl
- Cricut store, Cricut Maker machines (Maker 3 shown as refurbished only): https://cricut.com/en-us/cutting-machines/cricut-maker